Old-fashioned Sour Cream Cookies are soft, lightly sweet, and so easy to make that they barely require any effort. You’ll want to make these all year because they’re so irresistible!
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
In a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy and pale in color.
Beat in the egg and vanilla on high speed, followed by the sour cream. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together until combined. On low speed, slowly mix the flour mixture into the sour cream mixture until combined. The dough will be soft, almost like a thick cake batter.
Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Press each cookie flat with the bottom of a wet glass dipped in sugar.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until very lightly browned around the edges. Rotate the pan once halfway through baking. Cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the frosting
In a medium bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the butter and sour cream on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low speed for 20 seconds then increase to high speed until everything is fully combined and the frosting is a spreadable consistency. Spread over each cooled cookie, then decorate with sprinkles or sanding sugar
Notes
Instead of frosting, you can sprinkle a mixture of 2 tablespoons granulated and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon over the cookies just before baking.
Make ahead tip
The cookies will keep for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature or up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Baked unfrosted cookies will keep for up to 3 months stored in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.